IRAN INTERNATIONAL -- Former top State Department official Brian Hook was the target of an Iranian assassination attempt according to the FBI, leading to a beefed up security detail from the US secret service.

Hook is now expected to lead Trump’s transition team at the state department, CNN reported citing three sources familiar with the matter. Politico and the Guardian confirmed the reports.

Hook championed Trump’s heavy sanctions which hit Iran's economy and the government's finances as Trump tried to squeeze the country into submission.